Selectively variable coin control apparatus

ABSTRACT

A coin-operated selectively variable control apparatus is adapted to be used with a coin-receiving device which produces a respective signal corresponding to the deposit of each coin therein. The apparatus comprises a support which rotatably mounts an operating device. Stepping means responsive to the aforementioned signals is adapted to rotate the operating means through a preselected arc in response to each of such signals received. At least one switch is mounted on the support and is adapted to be connected in an electric circuit with the controlled device. Switch-actuating means is selectively positionable on the operating means for operating the switch in response to the rotation of the operating means through a predetermined arc as determined by the position of the switchactuating means on the operating means.

United States Patent [52] US. Cl 335/140 [51] Int. Cl ,H0lh 51/08 [50] Field of Search 335/140, 123, 138, 73

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,844,169 2/1932 Livingston 335/140 2,547,999 4/1951 Brockway 335/140 Inventors Appl. No.

Filed Patented Assignce SELECTIVELY VARIABLE COIN CONTROL APPARATUS 13 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

Primary ExaminerHarold Broome Attorney-Irving Seidman ABSTRACT: A coin-operated selectively variable control apparatus is adapted to be used with a coin-receiving device which produces a respective signal corresponding to the deposit of each coin therein. The apparatus comprises a support which rotatably mounts an operating device. Stepping means responsive to the aforementioned signals is adapted to rotate the operating means through a preselected arc in response to each of such signals received. At least one switch is mounted on the support and is adapted to be connected in an electric circuit with the controlled device. Switch-actuating means is selectively positionable on the operating means for operating the switch in response to the rotation of the operating means through a predetermined arc as determined by the position of the switch-actuating means on the operating means.

PATENTEBUEI 19 1971 SHEET 2 CF 3 INVENT HARRY GREE DENNIS J. LARK'N ATTORNEY.

FIG. 3.

PATENTEDnm 19 ml SHEET 3 [IF 3 INVENTORS HAR GREENWALD DEN J. LARKIN ATTORNEY.

SELECTIVELY VARIABLE COIN CONTROL APPARATUS This invention relates generally to a coin-operated control apparatus and, more particularly, pertains to an apparatus for controlling the operation of auxiliary equipment wherein the apparatus is easily and quickly changed to operate in response to any one of a plurality of different coin combinations.

Coin-receiving mechanisms are utilized for controlling the operation of associated devices upon the deposit of a preset number of coins. Usually, however, these mechanisms are inflexible in that they are responsive only to the preset number of coins and cannot be adjusted to operate the associated device upon the deposit of a smaller or larger number of coins than the preset value. As a result, if the operator wishes to increase the cost of items sold by a coin-operated vending machine, for example, the coin-responsive portion of the machine must be removed and exchanged for apparatus which will operate in response to the increased number of coins. Accordingly, the operator must pay for the cost of the new coinreceiving equipment in addition to the charges for servicing the machine since such changes require the services of a skilled mechanic.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved coin-operated control apparatus.

A more specific object of this invention is to provide a coinoperated control apparatus which is selectively variable so that it can easily be set to control an associated device upon the deposit of any one of a plurality of available coin combinations.

Another object of the invention resides in the novel details of construction which provide a coin-operated control apparatus of the type described wherein the apparatus may be selectively varied to operate associated equipment at different amounts of coin deposits without the need for the services of a skilled mechanic or the like.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a reliable and efficient selectively variable coin control apparatus. Accordingly, a coin-operated selectively variable control apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention is adapted for use with a coin-receiving device of the type adapted to produce a respective signal corresponding to each coin received therein. The apparatus comprises a support which movably mounts operating means. Stepping means is responsive to the signals from the coin-receiving device for moving the operating means a preselected distance in response to each such signal received. A first switch is mounted on the support and first switch-actuating means is selectively positionable on the operating means for operating the switch in response to the movement of the operating means a predetermined distance as determined by the position of the switch-actuating means on the operating means.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a wiring diagram, in block form, of a coin-operated machine utilizing the variable control apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the selectively variable control apparatus; 4

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the ratchet cam utilized in the apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention, to an enlarged scale;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the intermediate coin cam shown in FIGS. 2-4, to an enlarged scale;

FIG. 6A is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the top coin cam, to an enlarged scale;

FIG. 7A is a side elevational view thereof; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic wiring diagram illustrating the connections between the coin-operated control apparatus shown in the figures and the external loads.

In the description which follows, it will be assumed that the coin-operated control apparatus of the present invention is utilized in connection with a coin-operated carwash mechanism. It will further be assumed that such mechanisms operate in the following manner. Upon the insertion of a preselected number of coins, the mechanism will operate through a conventional cycle wherein soapy water is dispensed to cleanse the car and then clear water is dispensed to rinse the car. However, upon the insertion of an additional number of coins, the mechanism will operate to dispense a liquid wax so that in addition to cleaning the car, the car will be simultaneously polished.

Accordingly, a selectively variable coin control apparatus constructed according to the present invention is designated generally by the reference 10 in the figures. As noted above, the apparatus 10 is adapted to be used in conjunction with a coin-operated device such as a carwashing machine. Such devices usually include a coin-pulsing device 12 (FIG. I) which is adapted to produce a pulse each time a particular coin is inserted into the device. Such coin-pulsing devices are well known in the art and are presently commercially available. The pulses produced by the device 12 are applied to the control apparatus 10 via a lead 14. The apparatus 10, upon receiving a preset number of pulses from the device 12 energizes a timer 16, connected thereto by a lead 18, in the manner indicated below. The timer I6 is conventional in construction and, in the example under consideration, is adapted to initiate and control the washing cycle by dispensing soapy water for one time period and then causing rinse water to be dispensed for a further interval of time.

Upon the deposit of additional coins, the coin-pulsing device 12 will produce additional pulses corresponding to the extra coins deposited. These pulses cause the variable control apparatus 12 to initiate operation of an auxiliary device 20 connected thereto by a lead 22. As noted above, the auxiliary device 20 is adapted to dispense a liquid wax in the rinse water so that the car is waxed as well as washed clean. As the timer l6 nears the end of its cycle a signal is applied to the apparatus 12 by means of a lead 24 to reset the apparatus back to its initial position so that the washing machine will be prepared to perform another washing cycle when the interval determined by the timer 16 ends. As noted above, the device 12 and the timer 16 are conventional in construction as well as the auxiliary device 20 and are not described in detail herein since the particular construction of these devices forms no part of the present invention. The apparatus 10 is shown in detail in FIGS. 2-4 and includes a base 26 having a top wall 28 and depending sidewalls 30. The sidewalls 30 may be provided with rotatable lugs 32 for mounting the base 26 on an associated device.

Fixedly received on the base 26 is a shaft 34. Rotatably received on the shaft 34 is a bottom ratchet cam 36, an intermediate coin cam 38 (FIG. 4), and a top coin cam 40. The top of the shah 34 is grooved to receive a snap-fitting retaining wing 42 having an upstanding tab 44. The retaining ring 42 is easily removed by grasping tab 44 and exerting a force in a direction away from the shaft 34 to snap the ring out of the receiving groove. Thereafter, the various cams mounted on the shaft 34 may be removed and replaced in the manner noted below. To affix the cams in place the retaining ring 42 is then snapped back into position.

The ratched cam 36 is shown in detail in FIG. 5 and is provided with a central bore 46 which receives the shaft 34 therethrough. A portion 48 of the upper surface of the peripheral wall of the cam is cut away and the lower surface is provided with teeth 50 which extend about the circumference of the cam. As shown in FIG. 5, the teeth adjacent the portion 48 are numbered 1-14 for purposes which will become apparent hereinbelow. The portion of the peripheral wall of the cam 36 which is not cut away is provided with a cam surface 52. Provided in the top surface of the cam adjacent the cam surface 52 are circumferentially spaced apertures or holes 54-64. It is to be noted that each one of the holes 54-64 is associated with a different one of the teeth 50. That is, the aperture of hole 54 is associated with the tooth 50A while the next succeeding hole or aperture 56 is associated with the next succeeding tooth 508. To be more specific, the axis of the aper ture 54 is parallel to and spaced from the apex of the tooth 50A while the axis of the aperture 56 is parallel to and spaced from the apex of the tooth 508. The same comments apply to the apertures 58-64 which are associated with the respective succeeding teeth on the periphery of the cam 36. A retaining ring (not shown) may be utilized to maintain the ratchet 36 on the shaft 34 to prevent removal of the ratchet cam.

The ratchet cam is adapted to be rotated on the shaft 34 by a stepping device designated generally by the reference numeral 66. More particularly, the stepping device 66 includes an eccentric arm 68 having a bore (not shown) adjacent one end which rotatably receives the shaft 34 therethrough. A nylon spacer (not shown) is also received on the shaft 34 below the arm 68 so that the am 68 is spaced from the base 26 and is freely rotatable on the washer. The portion of the arm 68 adjacent the shafi 34 provides a seat for the ratchet cam 36. The other end of the arm 68 is received within the bifurcated end of a piston 70 which forms a part of a solenoid 72. The solenoid 72 is mounted on the base 60 by a solenoid bracket 74 and screws 76. A pin 78 extends through the arms forming the bifurcated end of the piston 70 and rotatably connects the eccentric arm 68 to the piston. The arm 68 is normally biased to the position shown in FIG. 2 by a spring 80 which engages the arm in a hole 82 at one end and a post 84 upstanding from the base 26 at the other end.

Rotatably mounted on the arm 68 by a rivet 86 is a pawl 88. The pawl 88 includes a tooth-engaging edge 90 and a projecting portion 92 which extends therebeyond and is adapted to ride on the apex of the teeth 50 of the ratchet cam 36, as shown in FIG. 2. A spring 94 engages a post 96 on the pawl 88 at the end opposite the tooth-engaging edge 90 and a post 98 upstanding from the arm 68 adjacent the piston 70 to bias the pawl clockwise, as taken in FIG. 2, into engagement with the teeth 50 of the ratchet cam.

When the solenoid 72 is energized, in the manner indicated below, the piston 70 moves in a direction indicated by the arrowhead 100. Accordingly, the eccentric arm 68 pivots about the shaft 34 and causes the pawl 88 to rotate clockwise. The tooth-engaging edge of the pawl 88, which is engaged with a tooth 50 causes the concomitant rotation of the ratchet cam 36. The elements are dimensioned so that the ratchet cam will rotate through the same are subtended by one of the teeth 50. When the solenoid 72 is deenergized, the spring 80 will cause the am 68 to rotate back to its initial position, thereby carrying the piston 70 back to its initial position, as shown in FIG. 2. As the arm rotates counterclockwise, the side edge 102 of the pawl 88 will ride on the surface of the next adjacent tooth 50. This action effects a camming action of the pawl 88 which causes the pawl to pivot toward the piston 70 about the rivet 86. This action continues until the arm 68 assumes its initial position at which time the tooth-engaging edge 90 of the pawl 88 will be positioned behind the next tooth 50 on the ratchet cam 36. Accordingly, the spring 94 will cause the pawl 88 to pivot in such a manner that the tooth-engaging edge 90 will engage the ratchet cam behind the next succeeding tooth so that when the solenoid 72 is again energized the edge 90 will engage this next succeeding tooth to again cause rotation of the ratchet cam.

An indexing assembly, designated generally by the reference numeral 104, is provided to insure that the ratchet cam 36 rotates through an arc corresponding to one tooth on the ratchet cam each time the solenoid 72 is energized. To be more specific, the indexing assembly 104 includes a bracket 106 which is affixed to the top wall 28 of the base 26 by any conventional means such as screw 108. Upstruck from the bracket 106 is a post 110. Connected to the post 110 is a first spring arm 112 having a detent 114 affixed to the end thereof. The arm 112 biases the detent into engagement with the ratchet cam 36 between juxtaposed pieces 50. Extending inwardly toward the shaft 34 from the post is a second spring arm 116 which engages the tooth 50 behind the detent 114.

As the cam 36 is rotated in the clockwise direction by the stepping device 66, as described above, the detent l 14 and the arm 116 ride outwardly on the teeth until the next tooth 50 passes the detent 1 14. At that point, the spring arm 1 12 forces the detent into the next succeeding space, thereby indexing the cam 36 one tooth for each operation of the solenoid 72.

Mounted on the base 26 and spaced from the top wall 28 by spacers 118 (FIG. 4) is a switch designated generally by the reference numeral 120. The switch 120 is a double-pole double-through switch which includes a pivotally mounted annature 122 which is adapted to be operated by the intermediate coin cam 38, in the manner indicated below, to cause the switch 120 to change states.

The intermediate coin cam 38 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 6 and is provided with a central throughbore 124 which rotatably receives the shaft 34 therethrough. The cam 38 further includes a cam surface 126 on the peripheral wall thereof which extends through an arc of approximately 255. The remainder of the peripheral surface of the cam 38 is undercut at 128. Received in the top surface of the cam 38 adjacent the cam surface 126 are 14 circumferentially equally spaced holes 130-156. The spacing between each one of the holes 130-156 corresponds to the same spacing between the apertures or holes 54-64 and, therefore, to the same spacing between the teeth 50 on the ratchet cam 36. The holes 130-156 are spaced from the axis of the cam 38 by the same distance that the holes or apertures 54-64 are spaced from the axis of the cam 36. Engraved or otherwise imprinted on the top surface of the cam 38 is an arrowhead 158 which is located at the beginning of the cam surface 126 and is positioned adjacent the edge of the undercut portion 128 of the cam. Additionally, reference characters designated generally by the reference numeral 160 and, in the example under consideration, comprising numerals 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are positioned on the top surface of the cam 38 and are circumferentially spaced by increments equivalent to the spacing between adjacent ones of the holes 130-156 As shown in FIG. 6A, the cam 38 is provided with a depending post 162 which depends from the bottom surface thereof and is in substantial alignment with the hole 156. As noted in detail below, the post 162 is adapted to be received in any one of the apertures 54-64 in the ratchet cam 36 in accordance with the desired number of coins required to operate the associated mechanism.

In operating the apparatus thus far described, the ratchet cam 36 is rotated in the clockwise direction, as taken in FIG. 2, until the armature 122 is spaced just beyond the cam surface 52 and overlies the teeth 50, it being understood that the armature 122 is spaced above these teeth. This position of the apparatus is referred to as the home position. The intermediate coin cam 38 is then mounted on the shaft 34. A decision is then made as to how many coins should be deposited in the washing mechanism to operate the mechanism via the operation of the switch 120. Assuming that three coins are to be received in the coin-pulsing device 12 to cause the variable control apparatus 10 to actuate the timer 16, the coin cam 38 is positioned so that the arrowhead 158 overlies the number 3 associated with the third tooth 50. The cam 38 is then moved downwardly until the post 162 is received in the aperture 58 in the ratchet cam 36. Thus, with the post so engaged, the ratchet cam and the coin cam rotate as a unit. It will now be obvious that as the coin-pulsing device 12 produces pulses in response to the deposit of the correct denominational coins therein, the solenoid 72 will be sequentially energized to cause the piston 70 to move in the direction of the arrowhead 100, as noted hereinabove. Thus, the stepping device 66 causes the ratchet cam 36 to rotate in the manner noted above while the indexing device 104 insures that the ratchet cam and, therefore, the intermediate coin cam 38 will move one tooth at a time in response to each coin. For the first two pulses representing the insertion of the first two earns, the ratchet cam 36 will rotate through two teeth.

When the third coin, is inserted, the ratchet and intermediate carns will rotate in the same manner as before. However, as the intermediate coin cam 38 rotates in response to the third pulse, the armature 122 of the switch 120 rides up on the cam surface 126 of the intermediate coin cam. Thus, the armature 122 is moved inwardly via the cam surface 126 thereby causing the operation of the switch 120 to energize the timer 16. Hence, the associated washing machine then goes through a washing cycle under control of the timer 16 in the conventional manner.

Assuming, however, that it is desired to operate the timer after six coins have been deposited in the coin-pulsing device, the intermediate coin cam 38 is positioned on the ratchet cam 36 with the arrowhead 158 in alignment or overlying the numeral 6 associated with the sixth tooth 50 of the ratchet cam. The coin cam 38 is then moved downwardly whereupon the post 162 is received within the aperture 64 of the ratchet cam. For this orientation of the elements, it will now be obvious that the ratchet cam must be stepped through six teeth before the armature 122 is engaged by the cam surface 126 of cam 38 to operate the switch 120. Thus, by selectively positioning the cam 38 on the cam 36, the apparatus may be easily and quickly changed to cause the operation of associated equipment in response to various combinations of deposited coins.

While only one embodiment of an intermediate coin cam 38 has been disclosed, it will be obvious that other modifications, such as increasing or decreasing the cam surface may be made to effect operation of the switch 120 in response to a greater number of coins than six. That is, the undercut surface 128 subtends an are equal to the arc subtended by six teeth 50 of the cam 36. If it is desiredto operate the armature 122 of the switch 120 in response to the deposit of a greater number of coins than six, an intermediate coin cam having an undercut surface which is greater than the arc subtended by six teeth may be provided. For example, coin cams 164 and 166 are provided having different ranges of cam surfaces to increase the versatility of the present apparatus. These cams are stored on the base 26 by means of a screw 168 which threadedly engages the top wall 28.

As noted above, the control apparatus 10 of the present invention is further adapted to control the operation of an auxiliary device upon the deposit of additional coins. Accordingly, a switch 170 is provided which is mounted on the switch 120 and which, in turn, is provided with a pivotable armature 172 which is in alignment with the armature 122. The armature 172 is adapted to be pivoted by the top coin cam 40 to operate the switch 170. More particularly, the top coin cam 40 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 7 and is provided with a central throughbore 174 which is adapted to receive the shaft 34 therethrough. The cam 40 is provided with a radially extending peripheral cam surface 176 and an undercut surface 178 of substantially smaller radius similarly to the intermediate coin cam 38. However, the undercut surface 178 extends through a substantially greater are than the corresponding undercut surface 128 of the cam 38. Provided in the top surface of the cam 40 within the boundaries of the cam surface 176 are six apertures respectively designated by the reference numerals 180-190. The apertures or holes 180-190 are circumferentially spaced with the spacing between adjacent ones of the apertures corresponding to the spacing between adjacent teeth 50 of the ratchet cam 36. An arrowhead 192 is positioned on the top surface of the cam 40 adjacent the beginning of the cam surface 176. Additionally, reference numerals l-13 are circumferentially spaced on the top surface of the cam 40 adjacent the undercut surface 178. The numerals 1-13 are spaced by a distance corresponding to the same spacing between teeth 50 of the ratchet cam 36.

Depending from the bottom surface of the cam 40 are circumferentially spaced posts 194 and 196. The post 194 is in alignment with the aperture 190 and the post 196 is in alignment with the aperture 180.

In operation, the top cam 40 may be placed on the shaft 34 and positioned such that the cam 40 may pivot the armature 172 of the switch 170 in response to the deposit of a number of coins from one to fourteen. For example, if it is desired to havethe switch 170 operate in response to the deposit of 14 coins in the device 12, the cam 40 is positioned on the intermediate coin cam 38 with the arrowhead 192 in alignment with the reference character or numeral 14 on the ratchet cam 36. For this orientation of the elements, the post 196 of the top coin cam will be received in the aperture or hole 152 of the intermediate coin cam so that all three cams rotate as a unit. When the top coin cam is positioned on the intermediate coin cam the retaining ring 42 may be snapped into place to retain the coin cams on the shaft 34. If the intermediate coin cam is set so that it will engage the armature 122 in response to the deposit of three coins, as noted above, the timer 16 will be activated upon the deposit of the three coins. However, on deposit of an additional ll coins, the ratchet cam will have been stepped through 14 teeth whereupon the cam surface 176 engages the armature 172 to operate the switch 170. It is obvious that the cam 40 may be set so that it operates the armature 172 upon the deposit of a number of coins less than 14. Additionally, if it is desired to have the armature 172 pivoted upon the response of more coins than 14, a top coin may be utilized which has a smaller cam surface than the cam 40 so that the top coin cam is responsive to the deposit of a number of coins greater than 14 to operate the switch 170.

In the example under consideration, it will be obvious that the ratchet cam is provided with 20 teeth 50. Additionally, the cam surface 126 of the intermediate coin cam 38 subtends an arc equivalent to 14 of the ratchet teeth while the top coin cam 40 has a cam surface 176 which subtends an are equivalent to six teeth. Similarly, the cam surface 52 on the ratchet cam 36 subtends an are equivalent to six teeth 50, as shown in FIG. 5. Thus, if it is assumed that the intermediate coin cam 38 is set to operate the armature 122 of the switch the cam surface 126 will so operate the armature after the ratchet cam has been stepped through one tooth 50. Additionally, since the cam surface 126 spans 14 teeth, the armature 122 will remain operated as the ratchet cam steps through the next 14 teeth. Normally, the armature 122, which is spring biased to its normal unoperated position as is the armature 172, would tend to return to its normal position after the cam surface 126 has passed therebeyond. However, it will be obvious from a consideration of the extent of the cam surfaces on the earns 36 and 38, but there will be an overlap of cam surfaces. Thus, although the cam surface 126 passes beyond the armature 122 after the ratchet cam has been stepped through 15 teeth, the armature will then ride on the cam surface 52 of the ratchet cam. Accordingly, the ratchet cam will now maintain the armature in the operated position so that the switch 120 will likewise be operated. However, after the ratchet cam has been stepped through 20 teeth, the position of the elements will be as they were at the beginning of the cycle and the armature 122 will spring back to its normal unoperated position.

Since it is desirable that the cams be in the home position at the initiation of each cycle of operation of the apparatus 10, a homing device, designated generally by the reference numeral 198 in FIG. 3, is provided to insure such proper orientation of the cams at the beginning of the cycle.

The homing device 198 includes an eccentric arm 200 which is pivotally mounted on the bottom surface of the top wall 28 of the base 26 by a pivot 202. The arm 200 includes an enlarged open end slot 204 at one end which receives the pin 78 of the piston 70 therethrough. The other end of the arm 200 terminates in an extension 206. Also mounted on the bottom surface of the top wall 28 is a single-pole single-throw switch 208 having a spring-biased armature 210 which terminates in a bent end 214. The armature 210 is normally biased outward to a nonoperated position whereby the bent end 214 is engaged by the extension 206.

In operation, when the solenoid 72 is energized and the piston 70 moves in the direction indicated by the arrowhead 100, the pin 78 engages the end of the slot 204 adjacent the solenoid coil 72 to cause the arm 200 to pivot in the counterclockwise direction. Accordingly, the extension 206 rides on the bent end 214 of the armature 210 and pivots the armature 210 inwardly to operate the switch 206. When the solenoid 72 is deenergized and the piston 70 returns to the normal position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pin 78 engages the opposite end of the slot 204 to cause the arm 200 to pivot in the clockwise direction. This releases the pressure on the armature 210 and permits the armature to return to its normal unoperated position under the influence of its biasing spring. As the armature 210 moves outwardly to the position shown in FIG. 3, the armature further causes the eccentric arm 200 to rotate back to its normal position shown in FIG. 3.

The apparatus of the present invention may be incorporated in a circuit of the type shown in FIG. 8. Thus, power leads 216 and 218 may be connected to a source of potential 220. The lead 216 is connected to one common terminal 120A of the switch 120 by a lead 220. Connected to the terminal 120A is an electrical armature 120B which is normally in contact with a terminal 120C and is adapted to be connected to the terminal 120D when the mechanical armature 122 of the switch 120 is operated. Additionally, the switch 120 includes a terminal 120E which is connected to the electrical armature 120F which is normally in contact with a terminal 1200 and is adapted to engage a terminal 120H when the mechanical armature 122 is operated. The terminal 1205 is connected to a terminal 236A of a nonnally open single-pole single-throw switch 236 which may be located in the timer 16 of the machine. The terminal 2363 of the switch 236 is connected hack to the power lead 216 via a lead 224. The leads 222 and 224 are adapted to be connected together through the switch 236 when the switch is operated. The switch 170 includes a common terminal 170A which is connected to the lead 220 by a lead 226. Connected to the terminal 170A is the electrical armature 1703 which normally engages a terminal 170C and is adapted to engage a terminal 1708 when the mechanical armature 172 is operated.

The terminals 120D and 1200 of the switch 120 are connected together and to one side of a load 228 by a lead 230. The other side of the lead 228 is connected to the return power lead 218. Similarly, the terminal 170D of the switch 170 is connected to one side of a load 232 by the lead 234. The other side of the load 232 is connected to the power lead 218. The terminal 120H is connected to the terminal 208A of the normally closed switch 208. A terminal 208B of the switch 208 is connected to the coin-pulsing device 12 by a lead 238. It is to be understood that when the armature 210 of the switch 208 is operated, the switch 208 opens. Also connected to the coin-pulsing device 12 by a lead 240 are the terminals 120C of the switch 120 and 170C of the switch 170. Connected between the leads 238 and 218 is the solenoid coil or solenoid 72.

In the operation of the variable coin control apparatus 10 which follows, it will be assumed that the intermediate coin cam 38 has been set to operate the switch 120 after one coin has been deposited and that the top coin cam 40 has been set to operate the switch 170 after three coins have been operated; the settings of the coin cams 38 and 40 being made in accordance with the procedure outlined above. Accordingly, upon the deposit of the proper coin the leads 240 and 238 will be connected together via the coin-pulsing device 12 in the conventional manner and then unconnected after the coin has passed therethrough. Accordingly, when the leads 240 and 238 are connected together the solenoid 72 will be energized from the source 220 via the circuit including the leads 216, 220, switch 120, through the terminals 120A and 120C and the armature 1203, leads 240 and 238 and through the solenoid 72 to the return power lead 218. Thus, the piston 70 will move in the direction indicated by the arrowhead 100 thereby causing the ratchet cam 36 to step through one tooth 50 whereupon the cam surface 126 of the cam 38 engages the mechanical armature 122 of the switch 120 to operate the switch 120. Accordingly, the electrical armatures 1208 and 120F will engage the terminals 120D and 120l-l, respectively. Thus, the load 228 which, in the example under consideration, may be the timer 16, will be energized from the source 120 through the circuit comprising the leads 216 and 220, switch 120 via the terminals 120A, 120D and the electrical armature 1208, the lead 230 and through the load 228 to the return power lead 218. The load 228 (timer 16) will then cause the washing machine to go through a conventional washing cycle.

Assuming that the apparatus 10 had been set so that the timer or load 228 would be energized after the deposit of two coins, it is noted that after the deposit of the first coin the solenoid 72 would be energized in the manner indicated above. After the first coin passed through the device 12, the leads 240 and 238 would be disconnected thereby deenergizing the solenoid 72. Accordingly, the piston 70 would return to its normal position thereby allowing the pawl 88 to engage the next tooth 50 of the ratchet cam 36. Upon the deposit of the second coin the leads 240 and 238 would again be connected together through the coin-pulsing device 12 thereby resulting in the operation of the switch 120 via the intermediate coin cam 38.

Assuming that no further coins are deposited and that the operator does not wish to have the wax dispensed during the washing operation, the timer 16 (load 228) will go through its normal operation. However, at the end of the timing cycle the load 228 (timer 16) will cause the operation of the switch 236 to connect the leads 224 and 222 together. Thus, the solenoid coil 72 will again be energized from the source 220 through the circuit comprising the leads 216, 224, the operated switch 236, the lead 222, the switch 120 through the terminals 120E, 120H and the operated armature 120F, the closed switch 208 and the lead 238, and through the solenoid coil 72 to the return power lead 218. Accordingly, the piston 70 will again move in the direction indicated by the arrowhead thereby causing the arm 200 of the homing device 128 to pivot and operate the switch 208 in the manner indicated above. Simultaneously, the ratchet cam will be stepped through another tooth.

When the switch 208 opens the circuit to the solenoid or solenoid coil 72 is broken thereby deenergizing the solenoid and allowing the piston 70 to return to its normal position. Accordingly, the switch 208 will again close thereby causing the solenoid 72 to again be energized so that the ratchet cam is again stepped through another tooth while the switch 208 opens and deenergizes the solenoid. This operation continues until the cams are in their home position whereupon the armature 122 of the switch returns to its normal unoperated position and the electrical armatures 1208 and 120F respectively engage the terminals 120C and 1200 thereby breaking all circuit connections and readying the control apparatus for the next cycle of operation.

Assuming, however, that the person operating the machine wishes to avail himself of the waxing operation, he deposits the three coins in the coin pulsing device 12. After the first coin has been deposited the switch 120 will be operated in the manner indicated above. When the second coin is deposited, the solenoid 72 will be operated from the source 220 through the leads 216, 220, 226, the switch including the terminals 170A, 170C and the armature 1708, the leads 240 and 238 which are connected together via the coin-pulsing device 12, and through the solenoid 72 to the return power lead 218. Thus the ratchet cam will be stepped through the second tooth. However, as noted above, the mechanical armature 122 of the switch 120 will remain operated to the end of the cycle so that the electrical armatures 12013 and 120F will remain engaged with the terminals 120D and 120H until the end of the cycle. Upon the receipt of the third coin the ratchet cam 36 will again be stepped through a third tooth through the circuit which includes the switch 170 whereby the mechanical armature 172 of the switch 170 will be operated thereby connecting the electrical armature 1708 to the terminal 170D. Hence,

the load 232 will be energized from the source 220 through the circuit including the leads 216, 220, 226, the switch 170 which now includes the terminals 170A, 170B and the armature 1708, the lead 234 and through the load 232 to the lead 218.

Thus, the load 228 (timer 16) will cause the washing machine to go through a normal washing cycle. However, when the timer reaches the point in the cycle at which the wax is to be dispensed, the operated load 232 (which may be located within the timer circuit 16) will then cause the wax to be dispensed. Thereafter, as the timer 16 (load 228) reaches the end of the cycle, the switch 236 will again be operated to operate the homing device 198. Accordingly, the cams will return to the home position as noted above. It is also to be noted that although the switch 170 will be operated during the movement of the cams to their home position even though only one coin has been deposited in the coin-pulsing device 12, no wax will be dispensed since the load 232 must be energized' prior to the operation of the switch 236 by the load 228 (timer 16).

Accordingly, a variable control apparatus for a coinoperated machine has been described which may be selectively set to operate an associated device or devices in response to the deposit of a selected amount of coins.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described herein it will become obvious that numerous omissions, changes and additions may be made in such embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:

i. A coin-operated selectively variable control apparatus for use with a coin-receiving device comprising a support, operating means movably mounted on said support, stepping means responsive to signals corresponding to the number of coins deposited in said coin-receiving device for moving said operating means a preselected distance for each such signal received, at least a first switch mounted on said support, and first switch-actuating means movable with respect to said operating means and being selectively positionable with respect to said operating means to any one of a plurality of different positions, and mounting means on said first switch-actuating means for affixing said first switch-actuating means in a selected one of said plurality of positions with respect to said operating means for operating said switch in response to the movement of said operating means a predetermined distance as determined by the selected position of said first switch-actuating means on said operating means.

2. A control apparatus as in claim 1, in which said operating means is rotatably received on said support, and said mounting means comprises engaging means between said operating means and said first switch-actuating means whereby the engaging means on said first switch-actuating means engages the engaging means on said operating means in any one of a plurality of different positions so that said first switch-actuating means may be located in any one of a like plurality of positrons.

3. A control apparatus as in claim 1, in which said operating means is rotatably supported on said support, said operating means including a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth, said stepping means including a solenoid having a piston movable from a first position to a second position in response to the energization of said solenoid, and connecting means between said solenoid piston and said operating means engageable with said teeth for rotating said operating means through a distance of at least one tooth in response to the movement of said piston from said first position to said second position.

4. A control apparatus as in claim 3, said mounting means comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures in said operating means associated with respective ones of a like plurality of teeth, and a depending post on said first switch-actuating means selectively engageable in any one of said plurality of apertures in said operating means for selectively locating the first switch-actuating means on said operating means whereby said first switch-actuating means operates said first switch in response to the rotation of said operating means through an arc corresponding to a predetermined number of said teeth.

5. A control apparatus as in claim 4, in which said first switch-actuating means is provided with a cam surface over a preselected portion of its periphery, said cam surface being adapted to engage said first switch to operate said first switch, whereby said first switch-actuating means is selectively positionable on said operating means so that said cam surface engages said first switch after said operating means has been stepped through said predetermined amount of teeth.

6. A control apparatus as in claim 3, and indexing means engageable with said operating means teeth to insure that said operating means is stepped through an arc corresponding to one tooth each time said solenoid piston is moved from said first position to said second position.

7. A control apparatus as in claim I, and a second switch mounted on said support, and a second switch-actuating means movable with respect to said first switch-actuating means and adapted to be mounted on said first switch-actuating means in a selected one of a plurality of positions to actuate said second switch in response to the movement of said operating means a preselected distance as determined by the position of said second switch-actuating means on said first switch-actuating means.

8. A control apparatus as in claim 7, in which said first switch-actuating means is provided with a first cam surface over a portion of its periphery, and said second switch-actuating means is provided with a second cam surface over a portion of its periphery, said first cam surface being adapted to engage said first switch to operate said first switch after said operating means has moved through a predetennined distance as determined by the location of said first switch-actuating means on said operating means, said second cam surface being adapted to engage said second switch after said operating means has moved through a preselected distance as determined by the location of said second switch-actuating means on said first switch-actuating means.

9. A control apparatus as in claim 1, in which said operating means is positionable in a home position wherein said first switch is not operated, and homing means for returning said operating means to said home position, said homing means comprising switch means connectable between a source of potential and said stepping means, and first means responsive to the operation of said stepping means to operate said switch means to deenergize said stepping means.

10. A control apparatus as in claim 9, in which said stepping means includes a solenoid having a piston movable from a first position to a second position in response to the energization of said solenoid, said first means comprising an eccentric arm pivotally mounted on said support, an open-ended slot in said eccentric arm, a pin received in said slot and carried by said piston, said slot having opposed spaced walls wherein said pin engages one of said walls as said piston nears said second position to pivot said arm to operate said switch means and said pin engages the opposite wall as said piston nears said first position to pivot said arm in the opposite direction to permit said switch to return to its inoperative position.

11. A coin-operated selectively variable control apparatus for use with a coin-receiving device comprising a support, a ratchet cam rotatably mounted on said support, said ratchet cam having a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth, stepping means responsive to signals corresponding to the number of coins deposited in said coin-receiving device for rotating said ratchet cam through at least one tooth for each such signal received, a first switch mounted on said support, a first switch-actuating means movable with respect to said ratchet cam to any one of a plurality of different positions, and mating means between said first switch-actuating means and said ratchet cam for mounting said first switch-actuating means on said ratchet cam in a selected one of said plurality of difi'erent positions for operating said switch in response to the rotation of said ratchet cam through a predetermined number of teeth as determined by the position of said first switch-actuating means on said ratchet cam. said ratchet cam normally residing in a home position wherein said first switch is unoperated, and homing means connected to said stepping means for controlling said stepping means to return said ratchet cam to said home position.

12. A control apparatus as in claim 1 l, in which said switchactuating means is provided with a cam surface over a portion of its periphery, said cam surface being adapted to engage said first switch to operate said first switch, said cam surface being located with respect to said first switch such that said ratchet cam must be rotated through a predetermined number of teeth before said cam surface engages said first switch.

13. A control apparatus as in claim 12, in which said ratchet cam is provided with a cam surface over a portion of the periphery thereof, said first actuating means cam surface and said ratchet cam cam surface being proportioned whereby said first switch is operated by said first switch-actuating means cam surface after said ratchet cam has rotated through said predetermined number of teeth and is maintained operated by said first switch-actuating means cam surface and said ratchet cam cam surface until said ratchet cam is returned to the home position. 

1. A coin-operated selectively variable control apparatus for use with a coin-receiving device comprising a support, operating means movably mounted on said support, stepping means responsive to signals corresponding to the number of coins deposited in said coin-receiving device for moving said operating means a preselected distance for each such signal received, at least a first switch mounted on said support, and first switch-actuating means movable with respect to said operating means and being selectively positionable with respect to said operating means to any one of a plurality of different positions, and mounting means on said first switch-actuating means for affixing said first switch-actuating means in a selected one of said plurality of positions with respect to said operating means for operating said switch in response to the movement of said operating means a predetermined distance as determined by the selected position of said first switch-actuating means on said operating means.
 2. A control apparatus as in claim 1, in which said operating means is rotatably received on said support, and said mounting means comprises engaging means between said operating means and said first switch-actuating means whereby the engaging means on said first switch-actuating means engages the engaging means on said operating means in any one of a plurality of different positions so that said first switch-actuating means may be located in any one of a like plurality of positions.
 3. A control apparatus as in claim 1, in which said operating means is rotatably supported on said support, said operating means including a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth, said stepping means including a solenoid having a piston movable from a first position to a second position in response to the energization of said solenoid, and connecting means between said solenoid piston and said operating means engageable with said teeth for rotating said operating means through a distance of at least one tooth in response to the movement of said piston from said first position to said second position.
 4. A control apparatus as in claim 3, said mounting means comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures in said operating means associated with respective ones of a like plurality of teeth, and a depending post on said first switch-actuating means selectively engageable in any one of said plurality of apertures in said operating means for selectively locating the first switch-actuating means on said operating means whereby said first switch-actuating means operates said first switch in response to the rotation of said operating means through an arc corresponding to a predetermined Number of said teeth.
 5. A control apparatus as in claim 4, in which said first switch-actuating means is provided with a cam surface over a preselected portion of its periphery, said cam surface being adapted to engage said first switch to operate said first switch, whereby said first switch-actuating means is selectively positionable on said operating means so that said cam surface engages said first switch after said operating means has been stepped through said predetermined amount of teeth.
 6. A control apparatus as in claim 3, and indexing means engageable with said operating means teeth to insure that said operating means is stepped through an arc corresponding to one tooth each time said solenoid piston is moved from said first position to said second position.
 7. A control apparatus as in claim 1, and a second switch mounted on said support, and a second switch-actuating means movable with respect to said first switch-actuating means and adapted to be mounted on said first switch-actuating means in a selected one of a plurality of positions to actuate said second switch in response to the movement of said operating means a preselected distance as determined by the position of said second switch-actuating means on said first switch-actuating means.
 8. A control apparatus as in claim 7, in which said first switch-actuating means is provided with a first cam surface over a portion of its periphery, and said second switch-actuating means is provided with a second cam surface over a portion of its periphery, said first cam surface being adapted to engage said first switch to operate said first switch after said operating means has moved through a predetermined distance as determined by the location of said first switch-actuating means on said operating means, said second cam surface being adapted to engage said second switch after said operating means has moved through a preselected distance as determined by the location of said second switch-actuating means on said first switch-actuating means.
 9. A control apparatus as in claim 1, in which said operating means is positionable in a home position wherein said first switch is not operated, and homing means for returning said operating means to said home position, said homing means comprising switch means connectable between a source of potential and said stepping means, and first means responsive to the operation of said stepping means to operate said switch means to deenergize said stepping means.
 10. A control apparatus as in claim 9, in which said stepping means includes a solenoid having a piston movable from a first position to a second position in response to the energization of said solenoid, said first means comprising an eccentric arm pivotally mounted on said support, an open-ended slot in said eccentric arm, a pin received in said slot and carried by said piston, said slot having opposed spaced walls wherein said pin engages one of said walls as said piston nears said second position to pivot said arm to operate said switch means and said pin engages the opposite wall as said piston nears said first position to pivot said arm in the opposite direction to permit said switch to return to its inoperative position.
 11. A coin-operated selectively variable control apparatus for use with a coin-receiving device comprising a support, a ratchet cam rotatably mounted on said support, said ratchet cam having a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth, stepping means responsive to signals corresponding to the number of coins deposited in said coin-receiving device for rotating said ratchet cam through at least one tooth for each such signal received, a first switch mounted on said support, a first switch-actuating means movable with respect to said ratchet cam to any one of a plurality of different positions, and mating means between said first switch-actuating means and said ratchet cam for mounting said first switch-actuating means on said ratchet cam in a selected one of said plurality of differEnt positions for operating said switch in response to the rotation of said ratchet cam through a predetermined number of teeth as determined by the position of said first switch-actuating means on said ratchet cam, said ratchet cam normally residing in a home position wherein said first switch is unoperated, and homing means connected to said stepping means for controlling said stepping means to return said ratchet cam to said home position.
 12. A control apparatus as in claim 11, in which said switch-actuating means is provided with a cam surface over a portion of its periphery, said cam surface being adapted to engage said first switch to operate said first switch, said cam surface being located with respect to said first switch such that said ratchet cam must be rotated through a predetermined number of teeth before said cam surface engages said first switch.
 13. A control apparatus as in claim 12, in which said ratchet cam is provided with a cam surface over a portion of the periphery thereof, said first actuating means cam surface and said ratchet cam cam surface being proportioned whereby said first switch is operated by said first switch-actuating means cam surface after said ratchet cam has rotated through said predetermined number of teeth and is maintained operated by said first switch-actuating means cam surface and said ratchet cam cam surface until said ratchet cam is returned to the home position. 